Town Hires Matt Prentice as New Director

The Town of Saugeen Shores is happy to announce the recruitment of Matt Prentice as the newly-created Director, Operations.  Prentice will oversee the Town’s Operations and Public Works divisions.  

Prentice joins the Town’s Senior Leadership Team with almost 30 years of civil engineering experience in both the private and public sectors, specializing in water and wastewater infrastructure.  He is also a leading trainer of proper water and wastewater management. 

Prentice earned his Bachelor of Engineering Management (Civil/Environmental) from McMaster University, and his Master of Engineering (Chemical) from the University of Toronto.  He also has provincial accreditation as a Registered Professional Engineer and possesses multiple certificates in several aspects of infrastructure management. 

“I am so pleased to welcome someone of Matt’s calibre and qualifications to Saugeen Shores,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Kara Van Myall. “We look forward to his leadership in this new role, as he plans and manages our growing municipal infrastructure.” 

“I am excited to help bring some important infrastructure projects forward in Saugeen Shores,” said Prentice.  “I will also work with Council, residents and staff to take on the opportunities that a growing municipality encounters on a daily basis.” 

Town Council created the new Director role by separating Operations / Public Works from Community Services (Parks and Recreation). Operations is responsible for water and wastewater, waste management, as well as cemetery maintenance, electrical, plumbing and locator services.  Public Works is responsible for the delivery of infrastructure, such as roads, watermains, stormwater management, winter road control and support of community assets like trails, parks, and the waterfront. 

Director Kristan Shrider retains responsibility for Community Services, such as parks, recreation, and facilities, as well as overseeing the construction and management of the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC).   

The decision to separate the divisions comes after Council’s review of the former Community Services and Operations department. This review was triggered by Council’s decision to build the AWC and implement a municipally run management model for the facility.